
Who would have thought that the answer to ripped or faded clothing could be as nifty as a 3D printing pen that’s small enough to fit in your bag? Known as the Fabric Pen, this little device might be the simplest way to repair fabric snags when you’re on the go. You don’t even need a needle and thread.
Instead, this futuristic pen mends by 3D printing fabric. Incredible, right? This is all thanks to Ingrida KazÄ—naitÄ—, a Lithuanian designer, whose Fabric Pen was recently selected as one of 35 finalists in the 2014 Electrolux Design Lab competition.
Fabric Pen is a next generation fabric repair kit. It works by scanning damaged fabric and then automatically 3D printing a matching patch to fit the damaged area. The 3D printed fabric is attached to the loose fabric threads and quickly hides any damage.
It’s crazy impressive how the pen ensures the printed patch blends in by making it match the color and material of the damaged garment, but this device could be your chance to have a little fun, too. You could decide to print patches with different colors and patterns to customize your clothing. The options are kinda endless.
Kazėnaitė was inspired by Fabrican’s Spray-on Fabric, which is an instant fabric in a can that takes form as soon as it’s sprayed onto a surface. The result is a non-woven material which consists of interconnected fibers. The Fabric Pen draws on the idea of a fabric particle delivery system to fix any outfit in a flash, but makes it much more precise.
Currently, the pen is still in its concept phase. But it’s certainly a project worth bookmarking and keeping a close eye on — you know we will be. At the very least, this pen says a lot about where the 3D printing industry is headed. This is, after all, just one in a series of innovative 3D printing pens following CreoPop, the Lix and the 3Doodler. We can’t wait to see what comes next.
What do you think of the Fabric Pen? How would you customize your clothing if you could get your hands on it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Your relationship with your finances is one of the most important relationships you'll ever have, and you can't avoid it. That said, for many of us, the pandemic only added to our financial stress. If you find yourself feeling frazzled, just remember that financial insecurity isn't a net-worth issue — it's a mindset issue. And, we happen to have plenty of advice on how to turn your money mindset around so you can take charge of your funds once and for all.
To start, feeling secure begins with a strong foundation, and there's no better time than now to get started stacking the bricks. It's easy to get swept up in the January "new year, new me" mentality, but really? Any time is the right time to get yourself in order. You don't need to wait for a new year, a new moon, the right moment, or a sign from above. You don't even have to start on the first day of the month — you just need to start.
Introducing NerdWallet: A Safe and Reliable Money App
To help with that, we've put together a list of the just-right-for-you ways that NerdWallet can help you monitor your financial outlook. Haven't heard of them yet? NerdWallet is a personal finance company that helps consumers make smarter financial decisions. Their website and app let you compare different financial products, find articles and tools to make financial decisions with confidence, and keep tabs on your finances (hey there, credit score, I see you!) all in one place. Plus, NerdWallet has over 75,000 glowing reviews in the App Store (and a 4.8 star rating) if you want to read up on any more testimonials.
Tim Chen, NerdWallet's CEO and co-founder, started this financial journey in 2009 after his sister needed help finding a credit card. Even with an economics degree and a Wall Street background, it took awhile for Tim to find the right recommendation (so don't feel too bad when it takes you a while, too). Their mission is to bring clarity to all of life's financial decisions.
So it's safe to say that NerdWallet is a pretty good sherpa for your journey, too.
Get the most from your money
Did you know that the money you park in a savings account can lose value? Harsh, but true. If your money isn't earning interest that's on pace with inflation it will actually be worth less to you in the future. And if the bank charges fees? Forget about it. Make sure you're earning the interest you deserve and come out on top. NerdWallet has researched dozens of financial institutions to help consumers find the best options. The hard work has already been done for you, so you can just select the account that works best for you and your nest egg.
Keep an eye on everything, securely
Once everything is set up, tracking and managing your finances is what will keep the money machine running smoothly. You can create an account either through the site or the app and link your bank accounts, then keep tabs on all your finances in one place. Get a clear picture of your saving and spending, get insights into how to master your money, and even build your credit score all in one place.
Get extra credit points
Do you have the best credit card for your lifestyle? Some cards give cash back on every purchase, ones with travel perks, and ones that charge way less interest than you're paying now. NerdWallet takes the guesswork out of choosing the right credit card with simple side-by-side comparisons of different credit cards so that you feel confident choosing the right one. Whatever you want to do, NerdWallet can help you find the best credit card to get it done.
Know your options for settling down
Mortgage rates are pretty low and it looks like they're going to stay that way for awhile, so buying a home might be the move sooner than you think. But there's so much more to a mortgage than just the interest rate! To help you choose a mortgage lender, NerdWallet has in-depth reviews on multiple lenders in a mixture of categories so you get the home loan with the mortgage rate, term, and fees that's right for you.
Settle an old score
NerdWallet helps you monitor your credit score for free and helps you see how little things (like raising the limit on your credit card or paying your bills on time) can increase your score. NerdWallet partners with TransUnion® to provide your VantageScore® 3.0, based on information in your TransUnion® credit report. Your score and credit report information are updated weekly. But that's not even close to all:
- They provide you with tips from experts on how you could build or optimize your credit score
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When it comes to managing your money, safe and reliable is where it's at. Establishing a healthy relationship with your finances begins when you take control and practice habits that build wealth. Signing up just takes a few minutes. Set your intentions to build a solid financial foundation, it will only strengthen your relationship with your finances. And don't be afraid to get a little nerdy while you're at it.
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